Rice undergrads are well-known for their brains and work ethic, and they’re increasingly getting the opportunity to work side-by-side with professors and graduate students in laboratories across campus. A new student-produced magazine called Catalyst: Rice Undergraduate Science Review, which debuted last week, is dedicated to highlighting the undergraduate research experience at Rice. The Catalyst editors recently spoke with the Rice News about how and why they started the magazine. They include Will Rice freshman Ye jin Kang, editor-in-chief; Will Rice sophomore Lisa Sun, executive editor; and Baker freshman David Ouyang, executive editor.

A new student-produced magazine called Catalyst: Rice Undergraduate
Science Review, which debuted last week, is dedicated to highlighting
the undergraduate research experience at Rice.

RN — Where did the idea for Catalyst originate?

Kang — The summer before coming to Rice, I went to the National Youth Science Camp as the Texas delegate. I loved the environment in which I could discuss scientific issues with others who shared my same passion for science. Therefore, upon matriculating at Rice, I wanted to join a club in which I could discuss popular scientific issues. Quickly finding that Rice lacked such a club, I contemplated the idea of forming a science magazine. I thought creating a science magazine would benefit Rice by forging an environment in which science undergraduates could get their views across to their peers.

RN — What do you hope to accomplish with Catalyst?

Ouyang – I hope the Catalyst encourages more undergraduate participation and research collaboration. By providing a forum to showcase exceptional work, the Catalyst will foster scientific discussion among members of the general public.

Kang — During the coming years, I hope to see the Catalyst grow and evolve into a sort of cornerstone for Rice undergraduate science majors. A few of the possible future programs I have in mind are:

About Jade Boyd

Jade Boyd is science editor and associate director of news and media relations in Rice University's Office of Public Affairs.

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